Gore to host 'green' inaugural ball

Washington, Dec.12 (ANI): Former US Vice President Al Gore will host a "green" inaugural ball the night before President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office.

"The Green Ball: Inauguration of a New Green Economy" will be held on January 19 at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington.

A draft version of the invitation, obtained by The Washington Times, urges people to join Gore to "bring together a diverse coalition of environmentally-forward organizations, entrepreneurs, scientists and advocates, celebrating a commitment to growing the New Green Economy."

More than two dozen environmental organizations are listed on the invitation.

It also features a green-shaded image of Obama, along with a quote from the Democrat's interview with Time Magazine from the fall.

Meanwhile, a second group is planning a "green inaugural ball," calling it the first "eco-friendly" inaugural celebration. It is planned for Jan. 17 at the Andrew W. Mellon auditorium in Washington.

A press release issued Wednesday notes the catering will be "100 percent organic" and that the bars will feature both local and organic beverages. The food waste and floral arrangements will be composted and the lighting scheme will be energy efficient. The group will also pay for wind power offsets and carbon credits to make the event carbon neutral.

It urges guests to sport green or black ties.

The founder said the goal was to inspire the official inaugural committee to incorporate similar plans into their events. (ANI)